Start training now and you might live through this trail race …

Assault on Black Rock trail race is a go next year in Jackson County, so mark your calendar for Saturday, March 17, and start practicing steep ascents.

As occurred this year, proceeds from the race will go to support the Community Table in Sylva.

New next year will be the Black Rock 101 challenge. Think of it as a pass/fail college course (i.e., English 101). Anyone who completes the course in 101 minutes or less will “pass” and receive an oversized belt buckle. That’s amounts to a 14:26 minute per mile pace, with more than 2,700 feet of elevation gain.

Seven out of 65 people (just 11 percent) would have taken home belt buckles from the race earlier this year. In addition to the belt buckles, prizes will be awarded to the top finishers.

Those fatigued by even the thought of running to Black Rock are encouraged to participate by simply hiking to the top.

The cost is $25 to pre-register and $30 on race day. T-shirts guaranteed to the first 100 people who sign up.